So imagine the situation, we've got a 7 year old cat, Alex, who since being with us has never laid a paw outside, and his only experience with other cats were his litter mates, and the random strays that go bird hunting on our back deck. And now, we had one them in the guest bathroom.
While outside making several calls to my wife, we had tried to find either no-kill shelters or volunteer groups to take in strays with absolutely no luck. I like to think that the volunteers were driving around looking for strays with the cold weather, and taking them back to the shelter to thaw the cat-cicles. We got a hold of a shelter, but unfortunately it was the county, and they couldn't guarantee his safety. My parents chimed in, and offered to take him in if there were no other options. For the moment, he'd at least spend a night, warm, in our house.
When the feeling returned to my hands, I focused on the necessities.
Food, water, litter, would have to suffice until a more permanent plan
could be put in place. Of course this led to finding an old bed that Alex didn't use anymore, and putting it in there as well. On the last exit from the bathroom, Alex was definitely in a "inquisitively bewildered" state, he wanted to know what the heck was going on and what on earth that smell coming from the bathroom. He also appeared to be about 2-3 times his size, as a giant ball of guard-kitty fluff.
Exhausted from the ordeal, i took a seat on the couch and waited for my wife to get home.
When she finally did, of course she had to meet the new arrival; we thought it best to handle him with a towel, in case he was dirty, and also to protect us from his needled-tip, outdoor kitty claws. This kitty wanted nothing in this world save for 2 things: food and having his head rubbed CONSTANTLY. If you were sitting there in the bathroom to be with him, he would jump up on your lap, or stand up to your knee and either claw or try to bite your hand so that he could get his rubbing. Absolutely insane! Occasionally, he would calm long enough to be pet, but it never lasted. Exiting the bathroom was always the same, crying, meowing, probably translated " Come back and pet my head!"
We discussed our options, and made plans for the next morning to take him to our regular vet, and check to see if he was micro-chipped. Being so friendly, we really hoped that someone had loved him and that maybe he was just rambunctious enough to have gotten out a back door without being noticed. If he had a chip, he wouldn't be ours for long, but then again he'd be home.
The next morning we went together, and to our partial disappointment, no chip. As another surprise, the vet tech informed us that not only was he a little boy, he was also special, having only one testicle descended. He was also heavily infested with ear mites, which completely explained his whole "pet my head" obsession, as it turn out it was more of a "my ears are ITCHY" obsession. The vet was very flexible, and was able to see him that evening.
The day was nerve racking, there were plenty of phone calls with my wife and parents. Deciding his ultimate fate, my folks reiterating that they are more than happy to take him, my wife sharing the pictures we had snapped the night before with everybody involved.
The hardest question to consider, was how Alex would respond to a new kitty, if we decided to keep with. He'd been with us for 7 years, our baby, and now we'd ask him to accept a sibling. I'd seen us getting a little girl kitty at some time in the future ( orange tabby preferably ), and I wasn't sure if we'd have a territorial battle on our hands
Story of Parker, 3 to continue....
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Story of Parker, part 1
So to take a break from the weight-loss talk, I'd like to share the newest addition to our household.
On January 3, winter had set in in our neck of the woods, I was driving home and passed a bank sign, showing me that it was 25 degrees outside, and a quick check of the local news radio said it would get down to 17 degrees before the nights end. It was cold. I parked my car, dreading to have to open the door and get to our home without freezing to death. Finally I did exit the car, and noticed something furry just across from me on the sidewalk.
For most people in residential neighborhoods, stray cats are a common occurence. Most of the times approaching these domesticated - to - feral cats, results in the same, you give them attention and they run away and hide. But this furball was different...
As I normally do with our 7 year old spoiled cat, I made the kissing noise to try and get his attention. Instead of running away, he started bounding over to get a better look at me. At first he came close, but not close enough to pet, probably sizing me up. As soon as I would approach, he'd back off, but never really running away. Freezing, I decided to head inside, took off my gloves, pulled out my cell, and texted my wife about the cute kitty in the parking lot; she suggested that I try and bring him some food. I hadn't thought of this, so i grabbed an old kitty bowl, got some dry food and headed out the door.
To young people, siblings, were at the community mailbox, and there was the little cat hanging around them, one of them actually able to pet him. I asked if he was theirs, but the answer was no. One the kids was actually sitting on the curb, and I did the same. I must not seemed as "big" as before and he came right up to me.
Most cats will be able to find a warm place to sleep when it gets cold enough. I was worried about this cat, because he seemed young, and was friendly enough that I was concerned that he might belong to someone and not be "equipped" to take care of himself on a night like this. I made the decision to pick him up, not really knowing how he'd react, I got him by the scruff of the neck, and like a young cat, he went limp, and curled up his back feet, absolutely no agression of any kind. I brought him in close, and he was purring / shivering.
I called my wife again, looking for numbers to shelters and such. It seemed that all of the non-profit / no kill groups were closed or not taking calls. We heard from my parents, who offered to take him if we couldn't find a place. Meanwhile, when I had gone inside the first time, I had taken off my gloves. Unfortunately, the gloves were still off, and I found that my hands were as cold as the little kitty I was holding. I did the next logical thing and opened my jacket and stuffed the kitty in. A final call to my wife, and she told me to just bring him inside and put him inside the main floor bathroom. Having lost almost all feeling in my fingers, I was in no position to argue.
Next.....Part 2
On January 3, winter had set in in our neck of the woods, I was driving home and passed a bank sign, showing me that it was 25 degrees outside, and a quick check of the local news radio said it would get down to 17 degrees before the nights end. It was cold. I parked my car, dreading to have to open the door and get to our home without freezing to death. Finally I did exit the car, and noticed something furry just across from me on the sidewalk.
For most people in residential neighborhoods, stray cats are a common occurence. Most of the times approaching these domesticated - to - feral cats, results in the same, you give them attention and they run away and hide. But this furball was different...
As I normally do with our 7 year old spoiled cat, I made the kissing noise to try and get his attention. Instead of running away, he started bounding over to get a better look at me. At first he came close, but not close enough to pet, probably sizing me up. As soon as I would approach, he'd back off, but never really running away. Freezing, I decided to head inside, took off my gloves, pulled out my cell, and texted my wife about the cute kitty in the parking lot; she suggested that I try and bring him some food. I hadn't thought of this, so i grabbed an old kitty bowl, got some dry food and headed out the door.
To young people, siblings, were at the community mailbox, and there was the little cat hanging around them, one of them actually able to pet him. I asked if he was theirs, but the answer was no. One the kids was actually sitting on the curb, and I did the same. I must not seemed as "big" as before and he came right up to me.
Most cats will be able to find a warm place to sleep when it gets cold enough. I was worried about this cat, because he seemed young, and was friendly enough that I was concerned that he might belong to someone and not be "equipped" to take care of himself on a night like this. I made the decision to pick him up, not really knowing how he'd react, I got him by the scruff of the neck, and like a young cat, he went limp, and curled up his back feet, absolutely no agression of any kind. I brought him in close, and he was purring / shivering.
I called my wife again, looking for numbers to shelters and such. It seemed that all of the non-profit / no kill groups were closed or not taking calls. We heard from my parents, who offered to take him if we couldn't find a place. Meanwhile, when I had gone inside the first time, I had taken off my gloves. Unfortunately, the gloves were still off, and I found that my hands were as cold as the little kitty I was holding. I did the next logical thing and opened my jacket and stuffed the kitty in. A final call to my wife, and she told me to just bring him inside and put him inside the main floor bathroom. Having lost almost all feeling in my fingers, I was in no position to argue.
Next.....Part 2
Happy February!
Besides the fact that we are having 60 degree days, followed by 27 degree days, it feels like winter is on its way out. The fireplace has been getting used, but not nearly as much as hoped, and not always at appropriate times. Is it too much to ask to be snowed in again?
The weight is being stubborn, however, it is creeping away. For some reason progress halts on the weekends, I think it has to do with the fact that the structure of the day is usually off. I'll wake up at 10, and not have my first meal until 12, then we might get lunch, which most times turns into a late dinner. During the week, I'm on the standard 3 meals ( snacking when i have time or can remember ).
Current weight is sitting at 295.5, which is about 5 pounds for February. While I would be much happier losing faster, I believe I am falling into the healthy guideline for weight loss, at about 2 pounds per week. Besides the crater in my stomach, I'm really still not feeling the difference.
Today makes it 48 pounds. I was watching an info-mercial the other day for some weight loss breakthrough, and they always show the super-cute girls with their ugly fat before picture. While half the time I'm convinced that they use different people for these photos, what gets to me is the amount they lose. When someone loses 40 or even 50 pounds, they are a new person, flat tummy, somehow you smile brighter, and your hair gets done nice... and boobs stick out more, and for most people, that much weight is life changing. Well, for me that life changing weight, is probably about another 100 pounds. It makes it difficult to be happy about my almost 50 pounds, not to feel different, or look different to myself in the mirror. At the moment my biggest fear is going to the doctor for my physical, and having him tell me that I need to change my diet. I don't want to stop low carb eating, because I know what carb eating does to me, but I also want to be healthy.
If not February, March will be the month I start to integrate exercise again. While I think its a waste of a gym membership, I'm going to start off slowly and either just use the treadmill, or swim. Every bit of me wants to pump iron, but I know that will get in the way. I completely understand that its okay to build muscle weight at the expense of the scale, I'm just not ready.
Next............The Story of Parker
The weight is being stubborn, however, it is creeping away. For some reason progress halts on the weekends, I think it has to do with the fact that the structure of the day is usually off. I'll wake up at 10, and not have my first meal until 12, then we might get lunch, which most times turns into a late dinner. During the week, I'm on the standard 3 meals ( snacking when i have time or can remember ).
Current weight is sitting at 295.5, which is about 5 pounds for February. While I would be much happier losing faster, I believe I am falling into the healthy guideline for weight loss, at about 2 pounds per week. Besides the crater in my stomach, I'm really still not feeling the difference.
Today makes it 48 pounds. I was watching an info-mercial the other day for some weight loss breakthrough, and they always show the super-cute girls with their ugly fat before picture. While half the time I'm convinced that they use different people for these photos, what gets to me is the amount they lose. When someone loses 40 or even 50 pounds, they are a new person, flat tummy, somehow you smile brighter, and your hair gets done nice... and boobs stick out more, and for most people, that much weight is life changing. Well, for me that life changing weight, is probably about another 100 pounds. It makes it difficult to be happy about my almost 50 pounds, not to feel different, or look different to myself in the mirror. At the moment my biggest fear is going to the doctor for my physical, and having him tell me that I need to change my diet. I don't want to stop low carb eating, because I know what carb eating does to me, but I also want to be healthy.
If not February, March will be the month I start to integrate exercise again. While I think its a waste of a gym membership, I'm going to start off slowly and either just use the treadmill, or swim. Every bit of me wants to pump iron, but I know that will get in the way. I completely understand that its okay to build muscle weight at the expense of the scale, I'm just not ready.
Next............The Story of Parker
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Argh, time is a demanding beast
It's the last day of January , so I figured I've got to put something down on paper.
Since I last wrote, I had quite a period of stalling with my weight loss, fortunately I was able to keep my sanity, due to the fact that I never increased in weight. Its weird, I blame the slowdown of weight on coffee and salad.
Since deciding to eat low carb , there are only like 2 restaurants we can order from for delivery. An Italian place with hearty salads and chinese(but still a pretty limited menu). We had stopped making food at home for a little while, and we went gangbusters on salad.
It's funny to me that something like salad could get me off of losing weight. Theres really been no cheating, no sugar, bread, pasta, croutons ! Just too many carbs in my green veggies!!
Today I am on the cusp of one again, losing my status again as a member of the 300 club. I weighed In this morning at 300.8, and am losing about a pound every other day. I've been here before, I just hope we make it stick.
Just imagine what it will feel like to be leaving the 200 club in the future..... still a little scary
Since I last wrote, I had quite a period of stalling with my weight loss, fortunately I was able to keep my sanity, due to the fact that I never increased in weight. Its weird, I blame the slowdown of weight on coffee and salad.
Since deciding to eat low carb , there are only like 2 restaurants we can order from for delivery. An Italian place with hearty salads and chinese(but still a pretty limited menu). We had stopped making food at home for a little while, and we went gangbusters on salad.
It's funny to me that something like salad could get me off of losing weight. Theres really been no cheating, no sugar, bread, pasta, croutons ! Just too many carbs in my green veggies!!
Today I am on the cusp of one again, losing my status again as a member of the 300 club. I weighed In this morning at 300.8, and am losing about a pound every other day. I've been here before, I just hope we make it stick.
Just imagine what it will feel like to be leaving the 200 club in the future..... still a little scary
Friday, January 13, 2012
Starting Again
Dec 5, 2011 a day that will live in infamy....whatever.
The original plan was to start my diet by my birthday. But I ran into one huge issue; I really wanted birthday cake. As a minor issue, we'd also just gone to the grocery store, and there were a number of items purchased that couldn't co-exist with my new way of eating. So I ended up giving it a few days so that we didn't have to waste too much food.
Low carb, Atkins, is the way that I have chosen to proceed on this attempt at weight loss. I have tried this twice before, the first time was great... until I went on vacation. And the second time I think i ruined it with copious amounts of diet soda. It has worked for me in the past, and I believe it is the key to finally get healthy. I know that on most weight loss plans, they tell you to aim for 1-2 pounds per week weight loss. But currently I am averaging about a pound a day. My most immediate short term goal, is to lose enough weight, to be able to start a comfortable exercise regimen. I'm plagued by degenerative arthritis in my knees, and the weight certainly hasn't helped.
I started on my diet on Dec. 5 , 2011 at 343 pounds. Today January 13, 2012 I am weighing in at 307, which makes the current total lost: 36 pounds which is the equivalent to 144 stick of butter, or just over 4 gallons of water.
I do notice that there are parts of my belly that are starting to cave in on the sides, but I don't really feel any different, and I definitely don't see the difference when I'm dressed and looking at myself in the mirror. It occurred to me today, that I've already lost 10% of my body weight, and I guess that is an accomplishment in and among itself.
This time, I think I'm losing for the right reason. Its not about wanting to fit in smaller clothes, or wanting to go on a beach vacation, or even for my poor mother who has been the most active supporter over the years in trying to get me healthy. I am doing it for myself, I want to be able to run a mile with my sister without feeling like I'm going to die, I want to be able to do any exercise in the gym without having to worry if my belly is hanging out under my shirt. I want to live longer. Good reasons ... right?
The original plan was to start my diet by my birthday. But I ran into one huge issue; I really wanted birthday cake. As a minor issue, we'd also just gone to the grocery store, and there were a number of items purchased that couldn't co-exist with my new way of eating. So I ended up giving it a few days so that we didn't have to waste too much food.
Low carb, Atkins, is the way that I have chosen to proceed on this attempt at weight loss. I have tried this twice before, the first time was great... until I went on vacation. And the second time I think i ruined it with copious amounts of diet soda. It has worked for me in the past, and I believe it is the key to finally get healthy. I know that on most weight loss plans, they tell you to aim for 1-2 pounds per week weight loss. But currently I am averaging about a pound a day. My most immediate short term goal, is to lose enough weight, to be able to start a comfortable exercise regimen. I'm plagued by degenerative arthritis in my knees, and the weight certainly hasn't helped.
I started on my diet on Dec. 5 , 2011 at 343 pounds. Today January 13, 2012 I am weighing in at 307, which makes the current total lost: 36 pounds which is the equivalent to 144 stick of butter, or just over 4 gallons of water.
I do notice that there are parts of my belly that are starting to cave in on the sides, but I don't really feel any different, and I definitely don't see the difference when I'm dressed and looking at myself in the mirror. It occurred to me today, that I've already lost 10% of my body weight, and I guess that is an accomplishment in and among itself.
This time, I think I'm losing for the right reason. Its not about wanting to fit in smaller clothes, or wanting to go on a beach vacation, or even for my poor mother who has been the most active supporter over the years in trying to get me healthy. I am doing it for myself, I want to be able to run a mile with my sister without feeling like I'm going to die, I want to be able to do any exercise in the gym without having to worry if my belly is hanging out under my shirt. I want to live longer. Good reasons ... right?
Stupid BMI
I have always believed (as many do), that the whole BMI scale is a crock of.. manure. How can a simple equation be accurate for everyone on the planet. I think someone told me that it was for average people, what the heck is average. If I was at my prescribed BMI weight, I'd be dead!
Of course I have issues with BMI, in addition to any other self image problems I might have already had, before I started losing weight in December, my weight was at 343lbs, which placed my BMI 50.3 . Sadly I am classified as morbidly obese !!! My cholesterol is excellent, I've never had any heart issues, no problems with diabetes. In fact the only thing I have is Asthma, and that's been well controlled for a good while. When I try to picture morbid obesity, I think of the people who haven't left their beds in years. the people that have to lose 300 pounds before they can get lifesaving surgery.
I know and recognize that I'm fat, and that I have been for a long time. But I feel that I've never felt like I've portrayed myself as such. I refuse to let belly fat hang over my belt, I'd rather suffer with my belt and pants around the center of my stomach. My worst days of self image, is when I walk by mirrors... my looks definitely don't match my confidence. I try to stay positive, but it is tough, knowing that you can make changes in your life to stay healthy, but then also wanting to sit back and relax and enjoy the moment without having to expend any effort.
Long ago my asthma was much worse, and I was on steroids (prednisone) for close to 3 months. Most people only need to be on it for a week or two at most. Unfortunately for me, puberty struck during that period, and it played havoc with my body. I have a picture with a young me, looking like a bloated grape, and only months earlier, a picture of me as a string bean. Long story short, I've never been at a healthy adult weight
Honestly, I'm actually a little scared to think what I might look like when I get down to a "healthy" weight. I've been looking at the same person in the mirror for close to 20 years... its hard to give up a relationship after that much time. Will I like myself?
Next....Starting Again
Of course I have issues with BMI, in addition to any other self image problems I might have already had, before I started losing weight in December, my weight was at 343lbs, which placed my BMI 50.3 . Sadly I am classified as morbidly obese !!! My cholesterol is excellent, I've never had any heart issues, no problems with diabetes. In fact the only thing I have is Asthma, and that's been well controlled for a good while. When I try to picture morbid obesity, I think of the people who haven't left their beds in years. the people that have to lose 300 pounds before they can get lifesaving surgery.
I know and recognize that I'm fat, and that I have been for a long time. But I feel that I've never felt like I've portrayed myself as such. I refuse to let belly fat hang over my belt, I'd rather suffer with my belt and pants around the center of my stomach. My worst days of self image, is when I walk by mirrors... my looks definitely don't match my confidence. I try to stay positive, but it is tough, knowing that you can make changes in your life to stay healthy, but then also wanting to sit back and relax and enjoy the moment without having to expend any effort.
Long ago my asthma was much worse, and I was on steroids (prednisone) for close to 3 months. Most people only need to be on it for a week or two at most. Unfortunately for me, puberty struck during that period, and it played havoc with my body. I have a picture with a young me, looking like a bloated grape, and only months earlier, a picture of me as a string bean. Long story short, I've never been at a healthy adult weight
Honestly, I'm actually a little scared to think what I might look like when I get down to a "healthy" weight. I've been looking at the same person in the mirror for close to 20 years... its hard to give up a relationship after that much time. Will I like myself?
Next....Starting Again
2011: a year in review, part 2
Alaska turned out to be pretty great. The cruise was a nice experience, and we were fortunate enough to go on a cruise line that doesn't make you pay out the rear for tips at the end. The trip took us up to Glacier Bay Park, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, Alaska. There was a final stop in Victoria, BC, which basically was just 2 bus rides, with a flower garden in the middle.
After the cruise we had an extra day in the heart of Seattle. If there's one thing for sure, its that you get your exercise if you live in the city. I think we lost all the weight we gained on the cruise, just by walking from our hotel.
Coming back to work was very difficult. I was tired and cranky my first week back, we definitely needed the whole " vacation from our vacation". After that, work just got harder, there were more things to do, with less people, and shorter time frames. Unless I really make an effort to leave, I could be at work until 7 or 8 every night. Getting home late every night, really kills your productivity on the weekends, because you're trying to recover from the week.
At the end of August, my wife and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. It really does seem like forever ago, probably because by that time we'd been "together" 12.5 years. We took some extra time off of work, but nothing fancy( I think we went and saw Transformers3 ?).
As the holidays approached, my weight and my health started to become a major issue. I was working so much at the office, that I didn't have the time (or energy) to make it to the gym, and getting no exercise at all combined with easily prepared processed food... I managed to get myself weighing in at 343 pounds, the most I have ever weighed in my entire life.
Something had to change...
After the cruise we had an extra day in the heart of Seattle. If there's one thing for sure, its that you get your exercise if you live in the city. I think we lost all the weight we gained on the cruise, just by walking from our hotel.
Coming back to work was very difficult. I was tired and cranky my first week back, we definitely needed the whole " vacation from our vacation". After that, work just got harder, there were more things to do, with less people, and shorter time frames. Unless I really make an effort to leave, I could be at work until 7 or 8 every night. Getting home late every night, really kills your productivity on the weekends, because you're trying to recover from the week.
At the end of August, my wife and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. It really does seem like forever ago, probably because by that time we'd been "together" 12.5 years. We took some extra time off of work, but nothing fancy( I think we went and saw Transformers3 ?).
As the holidays approached, my weight and my health started to become a major issue. I was working so much at the office, that I didn't have the time (or energy) to make it to the gym, and getting no exercise at all combined with easily prepared processed food... I managed to get myself weighing in at 343 pounds, the most I have ever weighed in my entire life.
Something had to change...
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